Enhanced COVID-19 Vaccines Coming this Fall
We’ve got some exciting updates to share today regarding the ongoing battle against COVID-19. This fall, updated COVID-19 vaccines will be available to provide enhanced protection against the virus.
The FDA has decided that the updated vaccines will target the XBB.1.5 strain, which is currently the predominant strain in the U.S. Pfizer, Moderna, and Novavax have already started developing monovalent vaccines for this strain, and preliminary data shows strong immune responses against all XBB variants.
Distribution is expected to start in September, pending FDA and CDC authorization. While eligibility details are not yet available, booster shots are likely to be important for older adults, immunocompromised individuals, and those with underlying medical conditions.
The unpredictable nature of COVID-19’s mutations and spread has made it challenging to develop vaccines that keep pace with its changes. While it’s possible that XBB.1.5 may no longer be the most common strain by the fall, the updated vaccines are designed to provide protection against a wider range of strains.
We will keep you posted as more information becomes available. In the meantime, we wanted to share a resource from The Public Good Projects which addresses some of the most Frequently Asked Questions regarding the updated COVID-19 vaccines. Take a look at the factsheet below!
Resources:
Talking Points and FAQs: Updated COVID-19 Vaccines for Fall
